Former finance minister and South African Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni, 65, was remembered for his sharp focus on fiscal discipline, economic transformation and steering the country through difficult times.

Mboweni’s family said he died on Saturday night surrounded by loved ones at a Johannesburg hospital after a short illness.

“The family is devastated by governor Mboweni's passing after a short illness," the family said in a statement.

Tributes on Sunday highlighted Mboweni’s significant impact on the nation’s fiscal landscape and his role in advancing economic policies.

Mboweni was the first black governor of the Reserve Bank and served as minister of finance from 2018 to 2021.

ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala said Mboweni served the ANC and the government in many capacities.

Mboweni had returned to the country after spending time in exile in the early nineties.

“He was one of the architects of economic policy that Nelson Mandela’s government implemented.

“From the start of his term of office as labour minister, Mboweni recognised that restoring dignity to workers was a critical part of reconstructing our country. He moved rapidly to give rights to workers such as domestic and farm workers who had been excluded from accessing labour rights under apartheid, improve dispute resolution, and embed the right to strike granted in the Constitution in labour legislation.”

“He was courageous and decisive in his financial decision-making as a minister, incorruptible and personable, reaching out to the people uniquely.

He was a true patriot and his ongoing contribution to South Africa’s future will be missed,” Zikalala said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mboweni as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights.

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock. As governor and finance minister, he had a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation,” Ramaphosa said.

He said Mboweni distinguished himself in different strategic roles in the private sector and was a flag bearer in global forums for the country’s economy and developing economies more broadly.

“He conducted himself with expert rigour while maintaining the personable touch that made him a social media star and ambassador for Modjadjiskloof’s culinary traditions.”

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Mboweni was a life lived in sacrifice, dedication, and selfless service to the people of South Africa.

“His role in shaping our democratic future particularly during the dying days of apartheid, cannot be overstated.

“Comrade Tito’s brilliance contributed greatly in the economic debates that framed the transition to democracy, making him one of the trusted voices of reason within the ANC.”

Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter paid homage to Mboweni as being a part of a “generation of young leaders who prioritise the fight against apartheid when it seemed impossible to defeat the minority regime”.

“Mboweni willingly made the sacrifices necessary to realise our goal of freedom in a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic order. His generation was known as the ‘young lions’ because of their bravery and selflessness.

“For that, Sars salutes him for his fight against minority rule and for building our democracy. His leadership as minister of finance came at the most important juncture in the history of Sars after it had suffered a deliberate and systematic decimation of its governance in pursuit of corrupt intent,” said Kieswetter.

Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, said Mboweni served with “immeasurable distinction”.

“We have lost a titan. “A thinker, a doer, and above all a patriot. I am lost for words and heartbroken. It is hard to imagine the grief felt by those closest to him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” said Godongwana.

Sekunjalo chairman Dr Iqbal Survé also paid tribute to Mboweni, saying: “I am shocked and devastated at the passing of Governor Tito Mboweni. We spoke regularly, especially about the conduct of the banks, as he chaired an advisory committee that was doing a factual finding report for Sekunjalo. He was a good man and may his soul rest in peace. I wish the family strength.”

Cape Times